As a parent, your child’s safety is your top priority. But unfortunately, keeping a little one safe can be easier said than done. Especially when it comes to car seats.

Anyone who has installed a car seat knows that it’s very easy to make a mistake. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that 3 out of 4 car seats are improperly installed. Scary but hardly shocking when you consider crash injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

On September 25 at 6 pm PT/9 pm ET, BabyCenter will host a live video Q&A with SafeKids car seat expert Wes Bender on our Facebook page to cover the common car seat mistakes and how you can avoid them, then will spend a few minutes answering your questions live.

To participate, visit BabyCenter’s Facebook page and click on the “BabyCenter LIVE” button to the right of our logo. During the event, you’ll be able to ask questions or leave comments using the Facebook chat and Twitter windows just below the video.

We’ll be following along on Twitter @babycenter and giving away prizes from event sponsor Graco (@Gracobaby) (including a Graco Snugride Click Connect 40 car seat!) between 5:45 – 6:45 pm PT / 8:45 – 9:45 pm ET. You must use the hashtags #babycenterlive and #gracosafety to be eligible to win.

Do you have a question about car seat safety? Tell us in the comments below.

I don’t know about everywhere else, but in my town you can go down to the local police station and ask them to have an officer check to make sure you intalled your carseat properly. That’s what my husband and I did before our son was born.

bodoursays:

September 24, 2012 at 1:57 pm

what to look for in a car seat?

bodoursays:

September 24, 2012 at 1:58 pm

how to buy one?

Ema Ramirezsays:

September 24, 2012 at 2:01 pm

My infants base of the car seats moves. Meaning I can shake it and it moves left to right. I have the lapbelt on it and the hinges. So why does it keep moving. Its not sturdy at all. HELP!!!

Jasminsays:

September 24, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Same exact question as Ema Ramirez!!

Jillsays:

September 24, 2012 at 2:22 pm

Is it safe to use car seat mats under the seat (for protecting the upholstery from stains and damage)? I see conflicting information all over the web.

Amitie Paulsensays:

September 24, 2012 at 2:26 pm

I live in California and my son is 18 months old. How long should I have him sitting backwards?

Theresa Gsays:

September 24, 2012 at 2:50 pm

Our second baby is due this December. Our older daughter will be 28 months at that time. What is the best way to position their car seats? I’m guessing baby in the middle, rear facing? Where should the toddler go – driver’s side or passengers? Does it matter?

Allisonsays:

September 24, 2012 at 2:57 pm

What is the best car seat to move into after the infant carrier? I want a safe seat with a decent weight range, that wont cost me and arm and a leg. But am willing to pay for a good quality safe product.

I have an older model Toyota Corolla and it doesn’t have the hook ups to install a car seat except for a center seat belt. Is there a way for me to install my daughter’s car seat in there correctly even though there aren’t any of the metal loops?

NGsays:

September 24, 2012 at 5:19 pm

Graco is best mothers choice. Good quality, design

Monicasays:

September 24, 2012 at 5:44 pm

Where is the best place for infant car seat in my Honda CRV? I can’t find anything in the vehicle owner manual that answers this question.

Also like the question Jill posted about the use of mats to protect upholstery.

Meagan C.says:

September 24, 2012 at 7:31 pm

With my older children I remember the rule being at 20lbs & 1 year you switch the baby forward-facing. We just had our third child & I saw at my pediatrician’s office that it’s now 2 years rear-facing. When and why did this change, and what exactly are the guidelines for rear vs forward facing these days?

Moumita karsays:

September 24, 2012 at 10:22 pm

What are all the things we need to check before buying a convertible car seat?

Biancasays:

September 25, 2012 at 2:21 pm

I have been told a car seat expires. Is this true? I don’t see an expiration date on the car seat just a date of it being manufactured. If its so important why don’t the car seats make it more obvious that car seats expire. Its almost like they don’t want you to know.

samyukthasays:

September 25, 2012 at 2:25 pm

My daughter is 8 months old and she hardly rest in car seat most of time she gets up stand and wand to see the surroundings.. how can i make her sit properly in car seat

Sanasays:

September 25, 2012 at 2:29 pm

I have heard we should throw away a car seat in case it has been in an accident. My friends car was in an accident but the car seat looks fine. Should he still throw it away?

arely colinsays:

September 25, 2012 at 2:36 pm

how i know the carseat is properly installed

Olivia Hsays:

September 25, 2012 at 2:54 pm

When I switch my child to forward facing, is the middle of the car still the safest spot? Or should I move the seat to the passenger side/diver side? Thanks!

camillesays:

September 25, 2012 at 2:54 pm

hi i have a two year and im due in may she will be three by then whats the best place in the back seat

Vickysays:

September 25, 2012 at 4:42 pm

I read conflicting information on whether to use foot muffs (like JJ Cole bundle me) with car seats. Does that somehow affect the safety of the car seat? I also heard that the baby should not wear a bulky winter coat in a car seat. Then how am I supposed to keep my baby warm in the winter?

Yomayrasays:

September 25, 2012 at 5:08 pm

1-Do you have to use a seat belt on the base of the car once you have attached it to the car with the hinges provided in the base?
2- if you have a car accident, do you need to buy a new car seat?
3- do car seats have expiration dates? And if so, what’s the shelf life?

Kimsays:

September 25, 2012 at 5:37 pm

Re: Sana’s question: If the airbags deploy, you should through them out. We were in a head on collision going 60mph! 5 pt harness saved both my 3 and 5 yr old. My 80lb 8 yr old son is now moving to a regular booster. Please not rush your kids into a booster seat!

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